ADHD: What should parents know, what to avoid

Do you remember the child who played the character Jeppu, who has ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), in the recent Asif Ali-starrer Malayalam movie Sarkeet? Many people became aware of ADHD after actors like Fahadh Faasil and Shine Tom Chacko revealed that they also live with this condition. Since then, the number of people searching the internet to learn more about it has increased significantly.

What is ADHD? 
It is a neurodevelopmental condition with documented cases dating back as early as 1900. At that time, it was known as ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder. However, it was renamed ADHD in the 1980s after it became evident that hyperactive children also suffered from attention deficits. This condition has a strong genetic link. The likelihood of having ADHD is higher if a close relative, such as a parent or a twin, has it. However, this may not always be the case. According to John's Hopkin's Medicine, the exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, kids with ADHD have low dopamine levels.

Who is at ADHD risk?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, boys are more likely to suffer from it than girls. Here are the other risks:
1) Low weight at birth
2) Injuries to the brain
3) Lead exposure during childhood
4) Mother's smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy

Oppositional Defiant Disorder 
Let’s take an example. A child with ADHD may not take the usual route home but might explore new paths, such as climbing to the house's terrace via a tree. Similarly, they are always seeking new experiences.

These children grow up facing constant criticism from those around them. At the same time, they may receive encouragement from certain quarters. For instance, when a child throws a stone at his house and is scolded by his family, his friends may praise him for hitting the target accurately. As a result, such children tend to dislike those who blame or scold them and may become more reliant on their friends. Later in life, they begin to face many challenges, and their condition may gradually develop into Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), which affects their personality.

The pattern of behaviour 
ADHD is observed not only in children but also in adults. There is a pattern to the behaviour and intelligence of people with this condition. They are extremely focused on things that interest them, for example, children who are hooked on video games or adults who enjoy certain types of films. However, they struggle to concentrate on things that do not excite them. When forced to focus on tasks they dislike, they often exhibit a specific behavioural pattern.

ADHD difficulties
People with ADHD have difficulty with time perception. They tend to procrastinate. Without a time constraint, they cannot focus on tasks. However, they will really focus on things not completed, which they perceive as a problem.  They often forget about time and underestimate how long tasks will take. They struggle with completing tasks that require time-bound execution.

People with ADHD also tend to accumulate items in a disorganised manner. This is known as the 'pile system.' These piles may be found on a table at home, in the office, or elsewhere. The arrangement makes sense only to them and may be incomprehensible to others.

Working memory is another major challenge for people with ADHD. They can recall past events and future plans but struggle with short-term memory. Once diagnosed, ADHD is considered a psychological disorder that requires assistance from a psychotherapist. It has been found that medication prescribed by a doctor, behavioural therapy, structured daily routines, meditation, educational and vocational support, and family and societal encouragement are all highly effective for individuals with ADHD.

Things parents should know
Acknowledge that your child is hyperactive:
One of the main reasons problems escalate is that many parents forget this simple fact. Having a hyperactive child is not a reason to isolate or treat them differently. Parents must understand that these children are just like any other. It’s helpful to explain your child's condition to teachers and close relatives so they can respond with understanding.

Not everything they do is wrong:
Children with hyperactivity may make mistakes or act impulsively at times, but that doesn’t mean everything they do is wrong. Avoid forming preconceived notions about their actions. Give them space to express their thoughts freely. Let them share their ideas without fear of being judged.

Medication can help
Some parents hesitate to give medication to their children, assuming they are too young or that it might cause harm. However, this belief is unfounded. Medication can be very effective in helping children with ADHD manage their symptoms, building a more balanced lifestyle and developing self-discipline over time.

Avoid unnecessary punishment
Once you understand that your child is hyperactive, avoid punishing them for every small mistake. Instead, try to understand them as a parent. Punishment often does more harm than good and can create lasting negative effects. Some parents even reprimand their hyperactive children in front of others, a practice that can deeply hurt their confidence and lead to negative consequences.

Don’t blame others for your child’s actions
Blaming others for the things your hyperactive child does to seek attention serves no purpose. It only distances you from your social circles and prevents you from truly understanding your child. Instead, acknowledge their challenges and guide them patiently. 
(With inputs from Onmanorama Staff)